A couple of months ago, a coworker and I were talking about how we make our “gravy”. Now, to any Italian cook or someone who associates with an Italian cook, “gravy” is not the brown stuff that goes on your Thanksgiving dinner. “Gravy” is tomato sauce. John (my coworker) was telling me about his recipe and process, and while some of it sounded familiar, there was one thing he used that I’d never heard of before (which for me, is weird. I know my food products!) Apparently, the tomatoes he uses in his sauce are these:
Six in one?! I looked at him like he was crazy! He explained that this kind of canned tomatoes were perfect for off-season sauce making when the fresh tomatoes were few and far between. There are SIX different kinds of tomatoes ground up into this one can, and it adds a depth of flavor that is usually only able to be achieved with the variety of tomatoes we can get in the summer. John was nice enough to bring me a 34 oz. can to try the next time I made my gravy, with the agreement that he’d get to sample it. I agreed, and tonight was the night.
I made The Best Bolognese sauce with a few changes. Since I had the can of 6-in-1, I used slightly less tomato paste, and reduced it down a bit before I added water for the next two reductions. Usually, I only use 1.5 to 2 lbs. of ground beef because, well, lean ground beef is expensive! BUT, I finally happened upon the meat deals that Biz is always talking about and got over 3 lbs of lean ground beef (that the recipe calls for) for under $7! I also got to break out our brand new food processor! It pureed the veggies like a champ!
The result?? AMAZING! I’m definitely going to seek out these delicious tomatoes from now on! Apparently, a few markets near me sell them, and it will be worth the trip. Thank you John!
Oh… you want to see the finished product, do you?
That’s some delicious whole wheat and flax seed Al Dente pasta left over from my stash… still fantastic!
**On a more serious note, if you have any money to spare, take a few minutes and donate to the Haiti relief effort. Every penny helps!**
I’m off to enjoy some low-fat peppermint ice cream, and another early night… big things coming up for you readers, including QUITE the giveaway!
Yum, my husband loves Bolognese, and I never heard of this product. I soooo miss summer tomatoes!
I am donating .50 per blog comment today, up to $50 to the Red Cross!
Meghan@traveleatlove´s last blog ..Wanting to DO Something
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Never heard of that brand……… and dont think I’ve ever seen it either?? But I’ll definitely go look for it at my next WF trip!
MarathonVal´s last blog ..“Dress Down” to Help Haiti
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Wow Mara that looks good! I’ve never heard of 6 in 1 either but that sounds great. We’re donating tonight. My cousin works for a non-profit and put a few tips on her blog: http://tinyurl.com/yceyrjc Apparently all you have to do is put a note in the memo section when you donate specifying that you want it to go to relief efforts, not operating costs and they have to honor your wish – any charity.
Christina´s last blog ..Pumpkin Ice Cream
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i have been CRAVING a meaty sauce for days!! totally about to put ground turkey on the list!!
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That looks so good! Perfect for the weather.
Spiceaholic´s last blog ..Working it
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I had no idea, that to an Italian, that was gravy! Very interesting!! Learn something new everyday
K´s last blog ..Respect
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Delish! If I ever see those tomatoes around here, I’m getting some and making some gravy!
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Looks very yummy! I am impressed because I am sure this is better than the jarred mushroom sauce I typically sport! haha!
Kelly B.´s last blog ..BIG NEWS!
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Can I assume you went to Joseph’s?? I am so glad your gravy turned out!!
And I have never heard of that 6-1 tomatoes, but it makes perfect sense in our neck of the woods!
Biz´s last blog ..I had no idea.
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No – Dominicks!!
Biz´s last blog ..I had no idea.
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